How to Make Squirrel Cages With Poultry Wire Mesh

Squirrels are active, playful creatures, so if you own one it is important to keep it in an outdoor cage that provides plenty of space in which to move. In addition to protecting the squirrel from predators and keeping it from running away, the ideal cage will have plenty of vertical space since many squirrels enjoy climbing as well. Poultry wire mesh is a good choice as a cost-effective and easily available material for the walls and ceiling.

Things You'll Need

  • String
  • Four 9-foot rounded untreated pine logs, 4-inch diameter
  • Shovel
  • Chisel
  • Eight 4-foot rounded untreated pine logs, 4-inch diameter
  • Hammer
  • Galvanized nails
  • 50-foot poultry wire mesh roll, 4-foot high
  • Wire cutter
  • Galvanized staples
  • Wood door frame, 6-feet tall and 2-feet wide
  • Screws
  • 2 door hinges
  • Screwdriver
  • Large cat pole
  • Hammock
  • Nesting box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place string on the ground to form the perimeter of a 4-by-4 foot square.

    • 2

      Dig 5-inch diameter holes 1 foot deep at each corner of the string square.

    • 3

      Stand one 9-foot rounded untreated pine log upright in each hole. Fill in the hole around the log with soil and tamp it down.

    • 4

      Use the chisel to make 1 inch deep notches across the tops and bottom of the standing logs. There should be four notches on each pole, one 2 inches from the top and one 2 inches from the ground on each side so that they are parallel with the perimeter lines. There will be a total of 16 notches on all poles.

    • 5

      Use the chisel on both ends of the 4-foot rounded untreated pine logs to create 1 inch long wedges so they will fit in the notches on the standing logs.

    • 6

      Place the 4-foot logs in the notches on the standing poles and secure them in place with the galvanized nails.

    • 7

      Cut the poultry wire mesh with the wire cutters to make nine pieces that are 4 feet long.

    • 8

      Attach the sheets of poultry mesh to the frame with the galvanized staples. Use one sheet on the top and two sheets on each side, one above the other.

    • 9

      Cut a 6 foot tall, 2 foot wide rectangle in the wire mesh for the gate frame.

    • 10

      Screw the gate frame to one pole through the hinges and staple the mesh to the frame's other sides so there are no gaps.

    • 11

      Bring into the cage the hammocks and large cat poles on which the squirrel can play and the nesting box for it to sleep in and to protect it from the elements.